IslandStats.com - Bermuda Sports Online

Bermuda Football Association (BFA) President Mark Wade recently attended the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Presidents’ Meeting in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic. The meeting coincided with the CFU Under-14 Challenge Series Finals. The Presidents’ meeting provided an opportunity for CFU member association presidents to discuss key regional football matters and the strategic direction of the Union. The agenda included:

• Strategic Plan video presentation
• Regional football analysis
• The Caribbean match officials’ landscape
• Discussion of recent developments within the region

The regional football analysis provided a candid assessment of the challenges facing Caribbean football, particularly the region’s limited hosting of important development tournaments when compared with other confederations. Travel logistics and funding were identified as significant contributing factors.

The meeting also highlighted concerns regarding the development and representation of Caribbean match officials at the highest levels of international football. The current landscape underscores the importance of continued investment in referee development, opportunities and pathways throughout the region.

A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the CFU’s Strategic Plan, which outlined the Union’s strategic direction and priorities through a video presentation.

The meeting was attended by Concacaf President Victor Montagliani and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. President Infantino’s attendance was unexpected and generated a range of reactions among the CFU Presidents present. His participation nevertheless provided an important opportunity for member association leaders to engage directly with both FIFA and Concacaf leadership on recent developments and matters of concern to the region.

The discussions were described as frank, candid and meaningful. A strong and consistent view expressed by the Presidents was that good governance, due process and transparency must remain fundamental pillars of football administration at every level of leadership within the football family.

President Wade also had the opportunity to engage briefly with members of the CFU Referees Committee, in his capacity as Chair, to discuss matters relating to the region’s match officials and referee development.

The final day of the visit saw President Wade attend the CFU Under-14 Challenge Series Tier 1 and Tier 2 Finals, providing an opportunity to observe the next generation of Caribbean football talent and support the continued development of youth football across the region. The tournament serves as a development opportunity for players and match officials. BFA officials, namely Referee Sar Smith and Match Commissioner Jibri Smith, also gained valuable experience

The BFA remains committed to engaging constructively with regional and international football bodies while advocating for strong governance, increased development opportunities and greater investment in the continued growth of football in Bermuda and throughout the Caribbean.